A dispersal order is in force in a seaside town where young people have wreaked havoc over two nights in the last week.

The special measure has been introduced by police in Whitstable in a bid to clamp down on antisocial behaviour after a disturbance last night involving a large group of young people.

It came just two days after a similar incident in the town saw yobs with baseball bats cause chaos, and one teenager arrested.

At about 8pm last night, police received calls from worried members of the public, reporting that a group of youths were acting antisocially, breaking glass bottles and being verbally abusive.

Officers rushed to the scene in the Old Bridge Road area of the town where, together with officers from British Transport Police, they worked to disperse the group.

Further groups were also moved on from the West Beach area without issue.

Two nights previously, young people with baseball bats reportedly terrorised residents in the Joy Lane area, "attacking people in their front gardens and trashing the streets".

Whitstable residents described scenes of "chaos", which saw police arrest a teenage boy after a man in his 50s was assaulted.

Kent Police put the dispersal order - which spans from Joy Lane to Tower Hill, to Old Bridge Road including the train station - in place yesterday evening.

It will remain in effect until tomorrow (Friday) morning.

While it is in force, officers and PCSOs will be authorised to stop anyone involved in antisocial behaviour and move them on from the area.

If a person fails to leave, or returns to the area during the dispersal order, they are liable to be arrested.

Inspector Guy Thompson of Canterbury Community Safety Unit said: "Further orders will be introduced if similar situations arise again.

"We appreciate people want to enjoy our beaches in Whitstable and Herne Bay and everything our towns offer, but it should not be at the detriment to residents, businesses, other visitors or even themselves.

"We remain in a pandemic and remind people to act responsibly and safely in accordance with government advice.

"Nobody welcomes disorder, abuse, criminal damage or any other nuisance behaviour, and I hope that people will show consideration about the impact their actions could have on others. But if not, our officers will take action against those persistent offenders.

"We ask residents to continue to report any concerns they may have through our website or by calling 101 (or 999 if a crime is in progress), so our resources can be utilised appropriately."

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